Wave guide with fluid passages

ABSTRACT

A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. A wave guide is defined within the internal cavity. At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavity providing a space for routing conductors through the housing. A fluid passage is defined within the internal cavity separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/480,794, filed Apr. 6, 2017.

BACKGROUND

A gas turbine engine typically includes a fan section, a compressorsection, a combustor section and a turbine section. Air entering thecompressor section is compressed and delivered into the combustionsection where it is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate a high-speedexhaust gas flow. The high-speed exhaust gas flow expands through theturbine section to drive the compressor and the fan section. Thecompressor section typically includes low and high pressure compressors,and the turbine section includes low and high pressure turbines.

Devices that are used to control and sense operation of the gas turbineengine, or any machine, communicate with a controller through manydifferent wires that are gathered in a wire harness. The wire harnessincludes each of the individual wires required to provide power andcommunication. In many instances, dual wires are routed to a device orsensor to provide a required redundancy in case of failure. Moreover,many of the wires require shielding to assure reliable transmission ofcommunication signals. The number of wires along with the accompanyingshielding, and braiding a mass a significant amount of weight. Irregularshapes from the bundling of wires creates challenges in supporting andsecuring the wire harness throughout engine.

Turbine engine manufacturers continue to seek further improvements toengine performance including improvements in reliability as well as inthermal, transfer and propulsive efficiencies.

SUMMARY

In a featured embodiment, a wave guide assembly for a control anddiagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly includes ahousing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extendingbetween distal ends. A wave guide is defined within the internal cavity.At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavityproviding a space for routing conductors through the housing. A fluidpassage is defined within the internal cavity separate from the waveguide.

In another embodiment according to the previous embodiment, includes anend fitting attached to each end of the housing. The end fittingincludes a flared tube tapering outward to an attachment flange and theattachment flange.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments,includes a coupling for branching the wave guide and fluid passage intotwo separate paths extending in different directions. The couplingincludes three ends with a wave guide passage and a fluid couplingpassage extending to each of the three ends.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments,includes a seal plate attached between the end fitting and the coupling.The seal plate includes a wave guide opening corresponding to the waveguide. A fluid opening corresponds to the fluid passage and sealssurrounding the fluid opening.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments,includes an alignment pin corresponding with an alignment opening foraligning the wave guide, at least one open conduit and fluid passagebetween the housing, seal plate, end fitting and coupling.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, thewave guide includes a rectangular passage in cross-section centeredwithin the internal cavity. The rectangular passage defines a sizecorresponding with a desired frequency range of a wave form signal.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, thehousing includes a tube with a circular cross-section and the wave guideis centered within the cross-section.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, thefluid passage includes a first fluid passage and a second fluid passagedisposed on opposite sides of the wave guide.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, thecoupling includes a first fluid coupling passage aligning with the firstfluid passage and a second fluid coupling passage aligning with thesecond fluid passage and each of the first fluid coupling passage andthe second fluid coupling passage extends to each of the three ends ofthe coupling.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, thecoupling includes a conductor assembly branching a conductor betweeneach of the three ends.

In another featured embodiment, a control and diagnostic system for amachine includes a main transceiver mounted proximate the machine. Thetransceiver generates and receives radio frequency waves correspondingto information for control and monitoring of engine operation. A waveguide assembly is in communication with the main transceiver. The waveguide assembly includes a housing defining an internal cavity and an endfitting attached to each end of the housing. The internal cavityincludes a wave guide defining a transmission path for a wave formsignal communicated with the main transceiver and a fluid passagedefining a flow path for fluid. A fluid source is in communication withthe fluid passage of the wave guide assembly. At least one remotetransceiver is attached to an end of the wave guide assembly and incommunication with the main transceiver through a wave form signalcommunicated through the wave guide. At least one fluid device is influid communication with the fluid passage defined within the wave guideassembly.

In another embodiment according to the previous embodiment, the waveguide assembly includes a tubular housing defining a circularcross-section. The wave guide defines a rectangular passage centeredwithin the circular cross-section and the at least one fluid passageincludes a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage defined onopposite sides of the wave guide.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments,includes a coupling for branching the wave guide and fluid passages intotwo separate paths extending in different directions. The couplingincludes three ends with a wave guide passage and a fluid couplingpassage extending to each of the three ends.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments,includes a seal plate attached between the end fitting and the coupling.The seal plate includes a wave guide opening corresponding to the waveguide, a fluid opening corresponding to the fluid passage and sealssurrounding the fluid opening.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, waveguide includes a rectangular cross-section that defines a sizecorresponding with a desired frequency range of a wave form signal.

In another featured embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a controland diagnostic system. The control and diagnostic system includes a maintransceiver mounted proximate the gas turbine engine. The transceivergenerates and receives radio frequency waves corresponding toinformation for control and monitoring of engine operation. A wave guideassembly in communication with the main transceiver. The wave guideassembly includes a housing defining an internal cavity and an endfitting attached to each end of the housing. The internal cavityincludes a wave guide defining a transmission path for a wave formsignal communicated with the main transceiver and a fluid passagedefining a flow path for fluid. A fluid source is in communication withthe fluid passage of the wave guide assembly. At least one remotetransceiver is attached to an end of the wave guide assembly and incommunication with the main transceiver through a wave form signalcommunicated through the wave guide. At least one fluid device is influid communication with the fluid passage defined within the wave guideassembly.

In another embodiment according to the previous embodiment, the waveguide assembly includes a tubular housing defining a circularcross-section. The wave guide defines a rectangular passage centeredwithin the circular cross-section and the at least one fluid passageincludes a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage defined onopposite sides of the wave guide.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments,includes a coupling for branching the wave guide and fluid passages intotwo separate paths extending in different directions. The couplingincluding three ends with a wave guide passage and a fluid couplingpassage extending to each of the three ends.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments,includes a seal plate attached between the end fitting and the coupling.The seal plate includes a wave guide opening corresponding to the waveguide, a fluid opening corresponding to the fluid passage and sealssurrounding the fluid opening.

In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, waveguide includes a rectangular cross-section that defines a sizecorresponding with a desired frequency range of a wave form signal.

Although the different examples have the specific components shown inthe illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited tothose particular combinations. It is possible to use some of thecomponents or features from one of the examples in combination withfeatures or components from another one of the examples.

These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood fromthe following specification and drawings, the following of which is abrief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example gas turbine engine including anexample control system embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example wave guide assembly.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the example wave guide assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wave guide tube.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example wave guide tube.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an example end fitting.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an example end fitting.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the example end fitting.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the example end fitting.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the example end fitting.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example seal plate.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the example seal plate.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the example seal plate.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example coupling embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the example coupling.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the example coupling.

FIG. 17 is an exploded schematic view of passages through the examplecoupling.

FIG. 18 is a perspective schematic view of the passages extendingthrough the example coupling.

FIG. 19 is a side schematic view of the passages extending through theexample coupling.

FIG. 20 is a top schematic view of the passages extending through theexample coupling.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of conductor assemblies of the examplecoupling.

FIG. 22 is a side schematic view of the conductor assemblies.

FIG. 23 is a top schematic view of the conductor assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a gas turbine engine 20. The gasturbine engine 20 is disclosed herein as a two-spool turbofan thatgenerally incorporates a fan section 22, a compressor section 24, acombustor section 26 and a turbine section 28. Alternative engines mightinclude an augmentor section (not shown) among other systems orfeatures. The fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path B in abypass duct defined within a nacelle 15, and also drives air along acore flow path C for compression and communication into the combustorsection 26 then expansion through the turbine section 28. Althoughdepicted as a two-spool turbofan gas turbine engine in the disclosednon-limiting embodiment, it should be understood that the conceptsdescribed herein are not limited to use with two-spool turbofans as theteachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines includingthree-spool architectures.

The exemplary engine 20 generally includes a low speed spool 30 and ahigh speed spool 32 mounted for rotation about an engine centrallongitudinal axis A relative to an engine static structure 36 viaseveral bearing systems 38. It should be understood that various bearingsystems 38 at various locations may alternatively or additionally beprovided, and the location of bearing systems 38 may be varied asappropriate to the application.

The low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40 thatinterconnects a fan 42, a first (or low) pressure compressor 44 and afirst (or low) pressure turbine 46. The inner shaft 40 is connected tothe fan 42 through a speed change mechanism, which in exemplary gasturbine engine 20 is illustrated as a geared architecture 48 to drivethe fan 42 at a lower speed than the low speed spool 30. The high speedspool 32 includes an outer shaft 50 that interconnects a second (orhigh) pressure compressor 52 and a second (or high) pressure turbine 54.A combustor 56 is arranged in exemplary gas turbine 20 between the highpressure compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54. A mid-turbineframe 58 of the engine static structure 36 is arranged generally betweenthe high pressure turbine 54 and the low pressure turbine 46. Themid-turbine frame 58 further supports bearing systems 38 in the turbinesection 28. The inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are concentric androtate via bearing systems 38 about the engine central longitudinal axisA which is collinear with their longitudinal axes.

The core airflow is compressed by the low pressure compressor 44 thenthe high pressure compressor 52, mixed and burned with fuel in thecombustor 56, then expanded over the high pressure turbine 54 and lowpressure turbine 46. The mid-turbine frame 58 includes airfoils 60 whichare in the core airflow path C. The turbines 46, 54 rotationally drivethe respective low speed spool 30 and high speed spool 32 in response tothe expansion. It will be appreciated that each of the positions of thefan section 22, compressor section 24, combustor section 26, turbinesection 28, and fan drive gear system 48 may be varied. For example,gear system 48 may be located aft of combustor section 26 or even aft ofturbine section 28, and fan section 22 may be positioned forward or aftof the location of gear system 48.

The engine 20 in one example is a high-bypass geared aircraft engine. Ina further example, the engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about six(6), with an example embodiment being greater than about ten (10), thegeared architecture 48 is an epicyclic gear train, such as a planetarygear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greaterthan about 2.3 and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio thatis greater than about five. In one disclosed embodiment, the engine 20bypass ratio is greater than about ten (10:1), the fan diameter issignificantly larger than that of the low pressure compressor 44, andthe low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater thanabout five 5:1. Low pressure turbine 46 pressure ratio is pressuremeasured prior to inlet of low pressure turbine 46 as related to thepressure at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to anexhaust nozzle. The geared architecture 48 may be an epicycle geartrain, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gearreduction ratio of greater than about 2.3:1. It should be understood,however, that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodimentof a geared architecture engine and that the present invention isapplicable to other gas turbine engines including direct driveturbofans.

A significant amount of thrust is provided by the bypass flow B due tothe high bypass ratio. The fan section 22 of the engine 20 is designedfor a particular flight condition—typically cruise at about 0.8 Mach andabout 35,000 feet (10,668 meters). The flight condition of 0.8 Mach and35,000 ft (10,668 meters), with the engine at its best fuelconsumption—also known as “bucket cruise Thrust Specific FuelConsumption (“TSFC”)”—is the industry standard parameter of lbm of fuelbeing burned divided by lbf of thrust the engine produces at thatminimum point. “Low fan pressure ratio” is the pressure ratio across thefan blade alone, without a Fan Exit Guide Vane (“FEGV”) system. The lowfan pressure ratio as disclosed herein according to one non-limitingembodiment is less than about 1.45. “Low corrected fan tip speed” is theactual fan tip speed in ft/sec divided by an industry standardtemperature correction of [(Tram ° R)/(518.7° R)]^(0.5). The “Lowcorrected fan tip speed” as disclosed herein according to onenon-limiting embodiment is less than about 1150 ft/second (350.5meters/second).

The disclosed gas turbine engine includes a control and diagnosticsystem 62 that communicates information between various sensors,actuators and components of the gas turbine engine 20. The examplecontrol and diagnostic system 62 includes a main transceiver 72 coupledto a wave guide assembly 74. The example main transceiver 72 generatesand receives wave form signals. In this disclosure wave form signalsincludes microwave high frequency signals, radio frequency signals andany other wave form format that can be utilized to send and receiveinformation and commands through the wave guide assembly 74 tocomponents and sensors throughout the gas turbine engine 20.

Although the control and diagnostic system 62 is disclosed by way ofexample in view of a gas turbine engine 20, it is within thecontemplation of this disclosure that the control and diagnostic system62 may be utilized with any machine or system. A machine, such as forexample an automobile power plant, a power conversion device or anyother system requiring communication between a controller and aplurality of different devices would benefit from this disclosure.

In the disclosed example embodiment, the wave guide assembly 74 definesa transmission pathway for wave form signal communication with sensor 78and component 80. As appreciated, the sensor 78 and the component 80 arerepresentative of various components and devices utilized through theengine to sense current engine operating conditions and controloperation of the engine. The engine 20 will include many sensors 78 andmany components 80 arranged throughout the engine that generate orreceive information and commands from an engine controller 64. Theengine controller 64 can be part of full authority digital enginecontrol, commonly known as a FADEC, or receive information from theFADEC. Each of the sensors 78 and the component 80 includes a second orremote transceiver 75 a, 75 b that communicates with the maintransceiver 72 through wave form signals routed through the wave guideassembly 74.

The wave guide assembly 74 defines a communication path through whichwave signals schematically shown at 104 are routed between the maintransceiver 72 and various remote transceivers 75 a, 75 b associatedwith each sensor 78 and component 80. It should be appreciated, that theengine 20 may include several separate wave guide assemblies 74providing communication pathways for different systems. Moreover, eachwave guide assembly 74 may provide communication from different maintransceivers 72.

The disclosed example wave guide assembly 74 includes wave guide tubes76 coupled to the main transceiver 72 on one end and the sensor 78 orcomponent 80 on other ends. The example wave guide assembly 74 definesthe passages that are utilized to communicate with the various deviceswithin the gas turbine engine 20. Rather than including individualelectric conductor or wires separately run between each of thecomponents, the example wave guide assembly 74 provides a common waveguide passageway for each of the components 80 or sensors 78. The maintransceiver 72 transmits and receives multiple wave form frequenciesthrough the same passageway for communicating with different sensors andcomponents concurrently.

The wave guide tube 76 includes multiple tubes 76 of various shapes toextend to sensors and actuators throughout the engine 20. The wave guidetubes 76 are secured together at a coupling 82 such that a singlepassage is split into different passages that extend in differentdirections.

In this example, the wave guide assembly 74 further includes integralfluid conduits to communicate fluid from a fluid source 70 that ispumped by a pump 68 into a valve 66. The valve 66 is in communicationwith one end of the wave guide assembly 74 and provides for thecommunication of fluid to each of the components that require suchfluid. In this example, fluid is communicated to the component 80 thatprovides for the regulation of fuel being supplied to the combustor 56.The fluid transported can provide a cooling function and include fuel orother coolant fluid. The fluid may also include hydraulic fluid used topower components.

Referring to FIG. 2 with continued reference to FIG. 1, the example waveguide assembly 74 includes a plurality of wave guide tubes 76 thatdefine a communication path between a main transceiver 72 and remotetransceivers 75 a, 75 b associated with a sensor, actuator or othercomponent. The wave guide assembly 74 includes coupler 82 that splitsthe communication path into different wave guide tubes 76 to communicatewith a plurality of components that are all in communication with acommon wave guide defined within the wave guide tube 76.

Referring to FIG. 3 with continued reference to FIG. 2, the example waveguide assembly 74 includes the coupling 82, the wave guide tube 76, endfittings 84 and a seal plate 86. The end fittings 84 enable coupling ofthe wave guide tube 76 to the coupling 82 and to the main transceiver 72and remote transceivers 75 a, 75 b. The seal plate 86 is provided witheach of the end fittings 84 to maintain a fluid tight connection andprovide a desired alignment of passages between the various elements.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the example wave guide tube 76 includes acircular cross-section 94 that defines an internal cavity 124. In thisexample, the wave guide tube 76 includes a round or tubular outerperiphery 102. Within the outer periphery 102 of the wave guide tube 76is defined the internal cavity 124. The internal cavity 124 issubstantially circular and includes a wave guide 88 that extendsentirely through the wave guide tube 76. Disposed on either side of thewave guide 88 are fluid passages 90 a and 90 b. Open conduits 92 b and92 a are disposed above and below the wave guide 88 as pictured in FIG.5. As appreciated, the term side and above and below are relative termsreferring to the relative position of the internal passages in theorientation shown in FIG. 5. Other orientations may be utilized and arewithin the contemplation of this disclosure.

The open conduits 92 a and 92 b enable threading of electrical conduitssuch as wire, fiber optic lines or other electrically conductive meansas are known.

The example wave guide 88 is rectangular in cross-section and defines anopen space through which wave form signals may pass. The height 98 andwidth 100 is determined based on the frequency range for the wave formsignals that are transmitted there through. In one example, the waveform signals comprise a high frequency microwave signal. In otherexample embodiments, the wave form signal may comprise radio frequencysignals or other wave form signal formats as are known and understood tothose skilled in the art. The wave guide 88 may therefore be of adifferent size and shape as determined with regard to a specific waveform signal.

The fluid passage 90 a and 90 b are elliptical in cross-section andconvey fluid through the wave guide tube 76. The fluid passages 90 a and90 b enable fluid to be pumped out to a component through one of thepassages and then back through another of the fluid passages all withinthe common wave guide tube 76.

The open conduits 92 a and 92 b are disposed above and below the waveguide 88 and between the fluid passages 90 a and 90 b. The open conduitsare of an ovoid shape to maximize space available within the tubularcross-section 94 of the wave guide tube 76.

The inner cavity 124 includes walls 96 that define the passagesincluding the wave guide 88, the fluid passages 90 a and 90 b and theopen conduits 92 a and 92 b. The circular cross-section 94 provides adesired strength and fluid tight integrity. Moreover, the circularstructure provides compatibility with current clamps, clips and othermounting hardware utilized to secure the control and diagnostic system62 within various components of the gas turbine engine 20.

The example wave guide tube 76 is fabricated from a metal material thatprovides protection against electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and highintensity radiated field (HIRF) proximate the wave guide assembly 74 andengine 20. The metal tube insures that transmissions through the waveguide 88 are not interfered with by external electronic noise orradiated fields. Moreover, the outer metal tube prevents tampering,disturbing or intrusion upon the signal utilized by the main transceiverto control and sense operation of the gas turbine engine 20.

Referring to FIGS. 6 thru 10, an example end fitting 84 is disclosed andincludes a tubular portion 114 that flares outward to a flange 112. Theflange 112 includes openings 116 for fasteners (not shown) to secureends of the wave guide tube 76 to couplings, transceivers and othercomponents. The end fitting 84 includes a circular cross-section thatcorresponds with the cross-section of the wave guide tube 76. Thecross-section includes fluid passages 108 a and 108 b and a centrallylocated wave guide opening 106. Also included are conduits 110 a and 110b that are disposed above and below the wave guide opening 106.

The end fitting 84 is attached to each distal end of the wave guide tube76 and defines an end for coupling at each interface with anothercomponent, transceiver or coupler. The end fitting 84 includes a face122 that defines the interface with other components of the wave guideassembly 74 such as the seal plate 86 and the coupling 82 (FIG. 3). Theface 122 includes openings to the wave guide opening 106 and the fluidpassages 108 a and 108 b. The face 122 also includes alignment pins 120a and 120 b that extend outwardly. The alignment pins 120 a, 120 bprovide for the precise alignment of the wave guide opening 106 of theend fitting 84 with the wave guide 88 of the wave guide tube 76 andother components.

The upper and lower conduits 110 a and 110 b are terminated at the face122 in the form of connectors 118 a and 118 b. In this way, conductorsare attached to the connectors 118 a and 118 b to provide a positiveelectrical connection at any joint interface with another component,coupling or guide tube 76. Although the example conductor embodimentincludes electric power conduits or wires, it is also within thecontemplation of this disclosure that the conductors may also includeoptic fibers and the connection include a corresponding connection foran optic fiber.

The end fitting 84 is secured to an end of the wave guide tubes 76 bywelding or other means that provides for a precise alignment between thewave guide fluid passages 108 a and 108 b along with the conduits 110 band 110 a. The connectors 118 b and 118 a provide a consistent durableelectrical connection at the interface that is provided to correspondwith electrical connections provided on the seal plate 86.

The alignment pins 120 a and 120 b fit into corresponding openings incomponents such as the sensor 78 and the component 80 of the gas turbineengine. The connectors 118 a and 118 b provide terminations and in thisexample are sealed by silicone rubber grommets that are secured withinthe end fitting. The rubber grommets protrude slightly from the fittingface 122 to ensure adequate and desired sealing and mating of electricalcontacts and connections.

The alignment pins 120 a and 120 b include a length 126 that is longerthan any electrical connection such that the alignment pins 120 a, 120 bare engaged before an electrical connection is made. The fittingalignment defined by the alignment pins 120 a, 120 b provide a desiredorientation between the wave guide opening 106 and fluid passages 108 aand 108 b. Moreover, the precise alignment that is provided prior to anyelectrical pins being mated with the connectors 118 a, 118 b preventspotential damage due to misalignment and other problems potentiallyassociated with misalignment during connection at an interface.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, an example seal plate 86 is shown andincludes an opening 130 that extends through a first face 142 a to asecond face 142 b. The seal plate 86 provides seals 134 a and 134 babout the fluid passage openings 132 a and 132 b. The seal plate 86corresponds with a shape of the end fitting 84 and along with a face ofcoupling 82. Accordingly, a seal plate 86 is a substantially triangularthat corresponds with the flange 112 of the end fitting 84.

The seal plate 86 includes a wave guide opening 130 as well as the fluidopenings 132 a and 132 b. These openings line up with similar openingsin the end fitting 84. The wave guide opening 130 as well as the fluidpassage openings 132 a and 132 b are aligned and dimensioned relative toalignment openings 136 a and 136 b. The alignment openings 136 a, 136 bcorrespond with the alignment pins 120 a and 120 b of the end fitting84. Accordingly, the seal plate 86 is assembled by inserting thealignment pins 120 a and 120 b of the end fitting 84 into the alignmentopenings 136 a and 136 b of the seal plate 86. The engagement betweenthe seal plate 86 and the end fitting 84 aligns the wave guide 130 aswell as the seals 134 a and fluid passage opening 132 a.

The seal plate 86 further includes an electrical connection by way ofpins 140 a and 140 b. The pins 140 a and 140 b correspond with theconnectors 118 a and 118 b that are disposed on the end fitting 84. Theseal plate 86 includes openings 138 for fasteners that correspond withopenings in the end fitting 116 to provide a desired fit and connectionat each end in the wave guide assembly 74. The seals 134 a and 134 bsurround each of the fluid passage openings 132 a, 132 b and extendoutwardly from each face 142 a and 142 b as shown best in FIG. 13 toprovide a desired fluid tight integrity through the interface.

Each of the connector pins 140 a and 140 b include a length 144 that isshorter than the length 126 (FIG. 9) of the alignment pins 120 a and 120b. Accordingly, the alignment pins 120 a, 120 b engage the alignmentopenings 136 a and 136 b before the pins 140 a and 140 b engage theconnector 118 a and 118 b of the end fitting 84. This prevents the pins140 a and 140 b from contacting the corresponding connector 118 a, 118 b(FIG. 8) in a misaligned position.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, an example coupling 82 is disclosedand includes three end faces 150 a, 150 b and 150 c. The coupling 82splits into different paths the wave guide, the fluid passages and anyelectrical connections. In this way, a signal wave guide assembly 74 isutilized and split off to provide a signal transmission path that is incommunication with several remotely located transceivers. The examplecoupling 82 includes three faces, however, the coupling may be utilizedto provide an attachment point between several wave guide tubes 76.

The disclosed coupling 82 includes a body portion 152 that definesinternal passageways that communicate and extend to each of the faces150 a, 150 b and 150 c. Each face 150 a, 150 b and 150 c issubstantially triangular in shape to correspond with the end fitting 84and the seal plate 86. It should be appreciated although the exampleflanges are triangular in shape that other shapes could be utilized andwithin the contemplation of this disclosure. At each point of thesubstantially triangular face 150 a, 150 b and 150 c includes a threadedhole 154 that receives fasteners that extend through openings in the endfitting 84 and seal plate 86. It should be appreciated that although athreaded opening 154 is disclosed other attachment methods may beutilized and are within the contemplation of this disclosure. Forexample, the threaded opening 154 could be a clearance opening and a nutand threaded fastener arrangement could be utilized to provide theconnection between ends of the tubular wave guide tube 76.

Each face 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c includes a wave guide opening 158 aswell as fluid passage openings 156 b and 156 a. Also included areconnectors 160 a and 160 b that correspond and engage the electricalpins 140 a and 140 b provided by the seal plate 86. Alignment openings162 a and 162 b are also provided in each of the faces 150 a, 150 b and150 c to enable precise alignment of the wave guide 58 with the waveguide opening 130 of the seal plate 86 and wave guide opening 106 of theend fitting 84 which all correspond with the wave guide 88 definedwithin the wave guide tube 76.

Referring to FIG. 17 with continued reference to FIG. 14, the passagesthrough the coupling 82 are intended to provide smooth transitionbetween each of the end faces 150 a, 150 b and 150 c. FIG. 17 is aschematic representation of the open spaces that define the passagesthrough the coupling. It should be understood that the disclosed shapesare one disclosed embodiment provided for way of description and othershapes would also be within the contemplation of this disclosure.

In this disclosure, the wave guide 158 includes smooth transitionsbetween each of the ends to provide desired smooth pathways between eachof the end faces such that the wave form signals that are transmittedthrough the wave guide 158 are not inhibited, obstructed or disturbed.

Also included are passages 156 a and 156 b for communicating fluidthrough the coupling 82. The fluid passages 156 a, 156 b are shaped tofit within the coupling 82. Also provided are passages 164 a and 164 bthat contain electrical conductors.

Referring to FIGS. 18, 19 and 20, to fit each of the passages within thecoupling 82, the passages are orientated as shown in FIG. 18. Therelative orientation to each other and through the coupling 82 providefor fluid communication, wave communication, as well as a pathway forthe electrical conductors to each of the ends of coupling.

Referring to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 with continued reference to FIG. 18,the example conduits 164 a and 164 b extend between each of the faces150 a, 150 b and 150 c and include two conductor assemblies 166 a and166 b. The first conductor assembly 166 a is disposed within the passage164 a. In the orientation illustrated in FIG. 18, passage 164 a is abovethe wave guide 158. The second conductor assembly 166 b is disposedwithin the passage 164 b disposed below the wave guide 158 asillustrated in FIG. 18.

Each of the conductor assemblies 166 a and 166 b includes a firstconductor 168 and a second conductor 172. Each of the conductors 168,172 extend between connectors 170 that are disposed at each of the endfaces 150 a, 150 b and 150 c. For each of the conductors 170 there is acrossover portion 174 and 176 that provides electrical communication foreach of the three connectors 170. Accordingly, each of the conductors172 and 168 are in communication with a corresponding connector 170 ateach of the end faces of the coupling 82.

The example coupling 82 centrally locates the wave guide 158 to maintainthe wave guide shape throughout and to provide a smooth transition forundisturbed transmission of a wave form signal.

Accordingly, the example wave guide assembly provides a compacttransmission path for communication of wave form signals, fluid andelectric signals to multiple locations within a gas turbine engine thatsimplifies communication, reduces complexity and improves durability andperformance of control functions of a gas turbine engine.

Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinaryskill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would comewithin the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the followingclaims should be studied to determine the scope and content of thisdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wave guide assembly for a control anddiagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly comprising: ahousing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extendingbetween distal ends, the internal cavity including a cross-sectiondefining a wave guide for providing a pathway for wave form signalcommunication between the distal ends, at least one open conduitproviding a space for routing conductors through the housing, and afluid passage separate from the wave guide.
 2. The wave guide assemblyas recited in claim 1, including an end fitting attached to each end ofthe housing, the end fitting including a flared tube tapering outward toan attachment flange.
 3. The wave guide assembly as recited in claim 2,including a coupling for branching the wave guide and fluid passage intotwo separate paths extending in different directions, the couplingincluding three ends with a wave guide passage and a fluid couplingpassage extending to each of the three ends.
 4. The wave guide assemblyas recited in claim 3, including a seal plate attached between the endfitting and the coupling, the seal plate including a wave guide openingcorresponding to the wave guide, a fluid opening corresponding to thefluid passage and seals surrounding the fluid opening.
 5. The wave guideassembly as recited in claim 4, including an alignment pin correspondingwith an alignment opening for aligning the wave guide, at least one openconduit and fluid passage between the housing, seal plate, end fittingand coupling.
 6. The wave guide assembly as recited in claim 1, whereinthe wave guide comprises a rectangular passage in cross-section centeredwithin the internal cavity, wherein the rectangular passage defines asize corresponding with a desired frequency range of a wave form signal.7. The wave guide assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises a tube with a circular cross-section and the wave guide iscentered within the cross-section.
 8. The wave guide assembly as recitedin claim 3, wherein the fluid passage comprises a first fluid passageand a second fluid passage disposed on opposite sides of the wave guide.9. The wave guide assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the couplingincludes a first fluid coupling passage aligning with the first fluidpassage and a second fluid coupling passage aligning with the secondfluid passage and each of the first fluid coupling passage and thesecond fluid coupling passage extends to each of the three ends of thecoupling.
 10. The wave guide assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein thecoupling includes a conductor assembly branching a conductor betweeneach of the three ends.
 11. A control and diagnostic system for amachine comprising: a main transceiver mounted proximate the machine,the transceiver generating and receiving radio frequency wavescorresponding to information for control and monitoring of engineoperation; a wave guide assembly in communication with the maintransceiver, the wave guide assembly including a housing defining aninternal cavity and an end fitting attached to each end of the housing,the internal cavity including a wave guide defining a transmission pathfor a wave form signal communicated with the main transceiver and afluid passage defining a flow path for fluid; a fluid source incommunication with the fluid passage of the wave guide assembly; and atleast one remote transceiver attached to an end of the wave guideassembly and in communication with the main transceiver through a waveform signal communicated through the wave guide; and at least one fluiddevice in fluid communication with the fluid passage defined within thewave guide assembly.
 12. The control and diagnostic system as recited inclaim 11, wherein the wave guide assembly comprises a tubular housingdefining a circular cross-section, the wave guide defining a rectangularpassage centered within the circular cross-section and the at least onefluid passage comprises a first fluid passage and a second fluid passagedefined on opposite sides of the wave guide.
 13. The control anddiagnostic system as recited in claim 12, including a coupling forbranching the wave guide and fluid passages into two separate pathsextending in different directions, the coupling including three endswith a wave guide passage and a fluid coupling passage extending to eachof the three ends.
 14. The control and diagnostic system as recited inclaim 13, including a seal plate attached between the end fitting andthe coupling, the seal plate including a wave guide openingcorresponding to the wave guide, a fluid opening corresponding to thefluid passage and seals surrounding the fluid opening.
 15. The controland diagnostic system as recited in claim 14 wherein wave guidecomprises a rectangular cross-section that defines a size correspondingwith a desired frequency range of a wave form signal.
 16. A gas turbineengine comprising: a control and diagnostic system including: a maintransceiver mounted proximate the gas turbine engine, the transceivergenerating and receiving radio frequency waves corresponding toinformation for control and monitoring of engine operation; a wave guideassembly in communication with the main transceiver, the wave guideassembly comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an endfitting attached to each end of the housing, the internal cavityincluding a wave guide defining a transmission path for a wave formsignal communicated with the main transceiver and a fluid passagedefining a flow path for fluid; a fluid source in communication with thefluid passage of the wave guide assembly; and at least one remotetransceiver attached to an end of the wave guide assembly and incommunication with the main transceiver through a wave form signalcommunicated through the wave guide; and at least one fluid device influid communication with the fluid passage defined within the wave guideassembly.
 17. The gas turbine engine as recited in claim 16, wherein thewave guide assembly comprises a tubular housing defining a circularcross-section, the wave guide defining a rectangular passage centeredwithin the circular cross-section and the at least one fluid passagecomprises a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage defined onopposite sides of the wave guide.
 18. The gas turbine engine as recitedin claim 17, including a coupling for branching the wave guide and fluidpassages into two separate paths extending in different directions, thecoupling including three ends with a wave guide passage and a fluidcoupling passage extending to each of the three ends.
 19. The gasturbine engine as recited in claim 18, including a seal plate attachedbetween the end fitting and the coupling, the seal plate including awave guide opening corresponding to the wave guide, a fluid openingcorresponding to the fluid passage and seals surrounding the fluidopening.
 20. The gas turbine engine as recited in claim 19 wherein waveguide comprises a rectangular cross-section that defines a sizecorresponding with a desired frequency range of a wave form signal.